« MYANMAR ADVENTURE QUESTS

Shan Hills Bike & Trek Combo
7 Days/ Kalaw – Pindaya – Inlay Lake
Design My Tour!
Myanmar biking & trekking through small villages and picturesque towns meeting an astonishing variety of different tribal peoples, all of them friendly and welcoming. O.K. sure, there’s a few grumps and grouches in Burma, (we won’t name names), but astoundingly few!

Once you land at Heho we won’t waste any time. Your bikes will be waiting outside the terminal and you’ll get fitted right there. Luggage goes into the van and you get on your bikes for a sweet 50K ride past Lake Heho and through the Shan Hills to the former British Hill Station of Kalaw. Three and a half days moderate Myanmar trekking and very enjoyable Hill Tribe visits ensue, with two overnights at Monasteries before arriving at Pindaya. Relax!

Because the last Myanmar biking stretch from Pindaya to Inlay Lake is 105K of pure biking glory! The next day, a half day boat tour on the lake and car back to the airport is planned, but many choose to extend another night soaking in the Inlay magic.

For more info and sample itinerary please click the Itinerary tab above. For more destination details, see Burma Destinations.

Shan Hills Bike & Trek Combo

Trekking

7 Days / 6 Nights

Day 1: Cycling – Heho/Shan Hills – Former British Hill Station of KalawAirport greeting and bike fitting, right there in baggage claim. Kidding. Outside in the parking area our pros will get you all set up, assuming you have not brought your own two-wheeler special. The first 50k leg winds you up and takes you through pine forests and local villages. As you get closer to Kalaw, you will see more and more colonial style houses. Arrive in time to check in to your hotel and enjoy a nice cold Myanmar beer at sunset. Overnight Kalaw.

Day 2: Trekking – Kalaw to the Middle of SomewhereToday’s trekking gives you a chance to get cultural, as you will hoof your way through the beautiful mountains and Hill Tribe villages that climb and then descend to your eventual destination of Pindaya. Among the people you will encounter on your 5 hour trek today are the Palaung, who are the chief leaf growers for those famous and often gigantic Myanmar cigars known as cheroots. You’ll have a chance to have lunch with them and if you like, enjoy a fine cheroot. By days’ end you will sleep like a monk – literally, in a small village monastery! Don’t expect room service.

Day 3: Trekking – Middle of Somewhere Towards Pindaya

Fuel up with a hearty monk’s breakfast before heading off on another marvelous trekking day. You’ll visit different tribes and villages and check out their different traditions and skill sets. Just like yesterday, the day ends with another village monastery stay. By this time you might be meditating on your journey.

Day 4: Trekking – Shan Hills – Diversity Day

A day of diverse terrain and diverse Peoples leaves you smiling so wide and feeling so much like a Hill Tribe person yourself, you are thrilled with your 3rd night’s sleep in a monastery. Reports of “sleeping like a baby” are common.

Day 5: Trekking to the Promised Land – Pindaya!

The descent to picturesque Pindaya begins today down a different trail and ends by mid-afternoon as you enter the narrow terraced valley and see the town and it’s refection off the lake. There will be time to visit the famous Pindaya Buddha Cave, and you will be rewarded finally with a proper shower and soft bed. Overnight Pindaya.

Day 6: Biking – Pindaya – Nyuangshwe

Time to get back on the bike for a scenic 105km peddle to charming Nyaungshwe, the gateway to Inle, also known for its many fine Shan Pasta restaurants. Overnight Nyuangshwe.

Day 7: Magical Inlay Lake – Heho

A private boatman will take you on a half day excursion on the magic waters of Inlay, thought floating villages with floating gardens and pagodas. The lake is inhabited the warm & friendly Intha people, whose fishermen are well known for their one leg rowing style. You’ll visit a floating a market, the Jumping Cat Monastery, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and any special places your boatman might have in store for you. In the afternoon it’s a 45-minute drive to the Heho airport and departure.

*This tour is often extended with another night or two on the lake, and there are many fantastic hotels and exotic spa packages to choose from.

Shan Hills Bike & Trek combo

Starting at $1095 per person, double occupancy

7 Days / 6 Nights

Deposit required to secure reservation

Price Includes:
list-infoTop Rated English speaking guides
list-infoLuminous Journeys “Swag Bag”
list-infoAirport welcome & farewell
list-infoAll Accommodation with breakfast
list-infoMeals according to your personalized plan
list-infoAll in-country airfare, airport taxes, air porter fees
list-infoAll itinerary based transport, inc. private car & driver
list-infoAmple bottled water throughout
list-infoEntrance and zone fees
list-infoDonations to Luminous Journeys’ micro-NGO Charities
Price does not include:
list-infointernational airfare
list-infoany personal transportation unrelated to the itinerary
list-infotrip/medical insurance, medical expenses
list-infoEarly check-in or late check-out charges
list-infopersonal expenses, such as telephone, laundry, alcohol, etc.
list-infotips for hotel porters or wait staff
list-infocamera fees
list-infoguide or driver gratuities
list-infoMyanmar visa fee (Visa on arrival may be obtained via Luminous Journeys)
*Guides are optional, but highly recommended.

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